Basic Details
Word: Platitude
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A dull, ordinary, or overused remark or statement that lacks originality.
Synonyms: Clich, bromide, truism
Antonyms: Originality, nuance, profundity
Idioms and Phrases
- Full of platitudes: Describes someone who speaks using boring or overused phrases rather than original thoughts. Example: "His speech was full of platitudes, making it hard to stay engaged."
- Platitude parade: Refers to a series of dull, cliched remarks often used in speeches or discussions. Example: "The meeting turned into a platitude parade with everyone repeating the same tired phrases."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The speaker resorted to clichd platitudes, leaving the audience unimpressed and yawning.
Example 2: Instead of sharing his real feelings, he expressed a platitude about always staying positive.
Example 3: We all groaned when she started with another platitude about seeing the glass half full.
Fun Fact
The word "platitude" comes from the French word plat meaning flat, which signifies the flatness or lack of depth in the statement being made, reflecting how uninteresting it is.
Famous Quote
"The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt." Bertrand Russell. This illustrates how original insight often goes unexpressed while clichs abound.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "platitude" mean?
a) An exciting idea
b) A dull or overused remark
c) A unique story
d) A kind of animal
Answer: b) A dull or overused remark
2. Which of these is a synonym of "platitude"?
a) Original thought
b) Clich
c) Innovation
d) Inspiration
Answer: b) Clich
3. Which sentence uses "platitude" correctly?
a) She painted a beautiful picture full of colour and life.
b) His speech was full of platitudes, leaving no real impact on the audience.
c) The cat jumped over the platitude.
d) They visited a platitude last weekend.
Answer: b) His speech was full of platitudes, leaving no real impact on the audience.
4. Which idiom means the same as "platitude"?
a) Clich-ridden
b) Learning the ropes
c) Bite the bullet
d) A bird in the hand
Answer: a) Clich-ridden
5. What is the opposite of "platitude"?
a) Clich
b) Originality
c) Familiarity
d) Routine
Answer: b) Originality
